The World’s Most Expensive Cheese: €36,000 for a Piece of Unbelievable Value!
Imagine paying €36,000 for a single piece of cheese! No, this is not a joke but a reality from the latest auction in Spain where a record-breaking cheese was sold for an astonishing sum. This cheese, produced by the small dairy Ángel Díaz Herrero in the village of Tielve, weighs about 2.3 kilograms and matured for 10 months in a cave nearly 1,000 meters above sea level.
A Record That Breaks All Limits
This auction was held for the 52nd time, and the winning cheese took first place at a prestigious competition gathering the best cheeses from all over Spain. The auction winner, the restaurant El Llagar de Colloto, paid a staggering €36,000, which is five times the average market price of cheese. For that price, you could buy a luxury Rolex or even a brand-new Mini Cooper convertible!
A Traditional Auction with Modern Records
The auction is part of a long-standing tradition in the Cabrales region of Asturias, known for producing top-quality cheeses. First held over half a century ago, this auction has become a symbol of quality and prestige. This year, nine restaurants from across Spain competed for the best cheese, and the jury spent the morning tasting 15 different cheeses before selecting the winner.
Ángel Díaz Herrero Dairy – A Family Pride
The dairy was founded thirty years ago by Ángel Díaz Herrero, now retired, while the business is currently run by his wife Encarni Bada. They produce about 10,000 kilograms of Cabrales cheese annually, but only the finest pieces go to this prestigious auction.
Why Is This Cheese So Expensive?
Cabrales cheese is known for its intense flavor and unique maturation process in caves. This specialty made from cow’s milk matures for ten months, giving it a distinctive aroma and texture. But the €36,000 price tag is not just about quality – it’s about prestige, tradition, and exclusivity that this cheese carries.
Five Years in a Row – Same Buyer, Same Passion
The owner of El Llagar de Colloto, Iván Suárez, has won this auction for the fifth consecutive year. His passion for top-tier cheeses and willingness to pay astronomical sums shows how the luxury cheese market is booming.
What Can We Learn From This Story?
While some buy expensive cars or watches, others invest in food – but not just any food, the art of cheesemaking. This auction shows there is an audience ready to pay huge sums for authenticity, tradition, and supreme quality.
If you thought cheese was just food, think again! And if you have a funny comment or think this is over the top, feel free to drop a joke below – maybe you know of an even more expensive cheese!